SEASON 96/97
Captain Steve Bruce leaves the club on a free transfer to join Birmingham City, after almost ten years of service. Eric Cantona takes over as Club captain. Manchester United win the Charity Shield beating last season's League runners up, Newcastle United 4-0. They begin the season as favourites to retain the Championship. For most of the season United lead the Premier League and eventually finish up as easy title winners. In the F.A. Cup United are knocked out in the fourth round, after a replay, by Wimbledon and are knocked out of the League (Coca Cola) Cup by eventual winners Leicester City. Glory in the European Champions League is narrowly missed out on. United are denied a place in the final by eventual winners Borussia Dortmund. They beat United 0-2 on aggregate in the semi-final. By the end of the season the United trophy cabinet is bulging with the reserves, A and B teams all winning their respective Leagues. The youth team also wins the Lancashire Youth Cup. David Beckham wins the PFA Young Player of the Year award and scores a wonder goal on the opening day of the season, from the half way line. Surprisingly it does not win goal of the season. By the end of the year United have six players in the England international squad.

League Position: 1